Marry Me Orzo Recipe
A creamy and flavorful Marry Me Orzo recipe featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in a savory tomato and cannellini bean broth, enriched with half-and-half, parmesan, fresh spinach, and a hint of lemon zest and juice. This comforting vegetarian dish is quick to prepare, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (grated)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¾ cups sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 can cannellini beans (15 oz / 400 g) or any other white bean
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cup orzo
- 3 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium, plus a little more to adjust consistency)
- 1½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup half-and-half (can substitute with non-dairy creamer or heavy cream)
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- ½ lemon (zest and juice)
Instructions
- Build Flavor Base: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the grated garlic cloves and red pepper flakes, cooking them until fragrant for about 30 seconds to release their aroma and infuse the oil.
- Toast the Orzo: Stir in the tomato paste and sauté for one minute to deepen its flavor. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, cannellini beans, and orzo to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the orzo evenly with the tomato paste mixture.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the vegetable broth, then add dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer uncovered and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Make it Creamy: Lower the heat to medium-low, then stir in the half-and-half, grated parmesan, and fresh spinach. Cook for 1–2 minutes more, stirring until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and add the zest and juice of half a lemon to brighten the flavors. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil, extra parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil before serving. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute half-and-half with heavy cream or a non-dairy creamer to suit dietary preferences.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more vegetable broth if the orzo absorbs too much liquid during cooking.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the saltiness.
- This dish is vegetarian and can be made vegan by substituting parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative.
Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/marry-me-orzo-recipe/
